THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Son Heung-min Apologizes After South Korea's Early Exit From 2026 FIFA ... Home Korean Sports Son Heung-min Apologizes After South Korea's Early Exit From 2026 FIFA World... Korean Sports News about Korea in English Son Heung-min Apologizes After South Korea’s Early Exit From 2026 FIFA World Cup By sayhikorean 30/06/2026 0 20 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Photo : YONHAP News After a disappointing performance that saw South Korea fail to reach the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, captain Son Heung-min indicated he would continue to remain available for the national team. In a post on social media on Tuesday, Son apologized to fans and the public, saying that he was truly sorry for the team’s performance and acknowledging that supporters would have felt frustration and disappointment watching the matches. South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses in the group stage, confirming their elimination from the tournament on Sunday. Son said the tournament, which he described as the “set of a childhood dream,” was deeply meaningful to him, adding that it was painful to see that dream collapse and that he was still struggling to accept the result. D…

South Korea's World Cup disaster prompts outlandish question from ... Billy Heyen Imagn Images South Korea came to the2026 FIFA World Cupwith eyes on a run through the knockout rounds. Now, barring some great luck, the Korean squad won't even make it out of Group A. They were stunned by South Africa on Wednesday night, a 1-0 win for a side that clinched advancement to the knockout stage for the first time. It was a shockingly poor effort from the South Korean team, which didn't even show great urgency in the closing stages. They just couldn't find an answer, couldn't find a breakthrough, nothing. MORE:With Messi, history and magic go hand in hand They had opened their World Cup in promising fashion, a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Czechia. But then a defeat to Mexico, and this loss to South Africa, ruined the party for the South Koreans. They had even left Son Heung-min on the bench until a substitution on Wednesday, a move that was hard to explain. Afterward, though, their head coach was asked a different question. A journalist wondered if the team had food poisoning because of how poorly they'd played: In the post-match press conference, a Korean journalist asked Hon…

Son Heung-min apologises to South Korea fans for early World Cup ... Son Heung-min apologises to South Korea fans for early World Cup elimination Reuters Son Heung-min REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez South Korea captain Son Heung-min apologised to fans on Monday after the ⁠team's group-stage exit from the World Cup and urged them to support the players rather than criticise them following the campaign. The apology came ‌a day after Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea coach. Results on Saturday meant the ‌South Koreans would not advance to the last 32 as one ‌of the eight third-placed finishers in the group phase. Expectations had been high for ‌a talented South Korean squad featuring Son , Paris St Germain midfielder ‌Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae . Drawn alongside co-hosts Mexico , the Czech Republic and South Africa , they were widely expected to reach the knockout rounds. South Korea ‌opened with a 2-1 win over the Czech ⁠Republic, but defeats by Mexico and ‌South Africa left them reliant on results elsewhere, ultimately falling short of a ​place in the knockout stage. " I don't know where to begin, " Son said in a lengthy Instagram post. " I can't pretend I don't…

South Korea on brink of WC exit after 'wrong' Son gamble - ESPN MONTERREY, Mexico -- It was the boldest of gambles with progress to theWorld Cupround of 32 on the line -- and one that ultimately backfired spectacularly. South Koreacoach Hong Myung-Bo had jaws dropping when he chose to leave out captainSon Heung-Min, 33, from his first XI for Wednesday's Group A decider againstSouth Africa-- the first time since Son started his journey with the national team that he wasn't in the starting lineup. The result? A shocking-but-deserved 1-0 victory for South Africa that sent them from the bottom of the group to a second-place finish -- sealing their progress to the knockout round for the first time. Meanwhile, the South Koreans have to wait for the conclusion of the group stage Saturday to find out whether they will also advance as one of the best-performing third-place teams. The South Korean media were in no mood to hold back when a crestfallen Hong turned up for his postmatch news conference. "An unacceptable result" and "dismal" were hurled his way in the first two questions. The tinkering of his starting XI was labeled "a failure." And Hong -- with perhaps no other option -- h…

South Korea leaves World Cup in turmoil as early exit prompts fierce ... South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo looks on ahead the World Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and South Korea in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) South Korea’s Lee Kang-in (19) reacts at the end of the World Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and South Korea in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo) Soccer fans react as they watch a live broadcasting of the World Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and South Korea at a public viewing venue in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned Sunday after the team’s quick elimination from the World Cup drew a harsh condemnation from the country’s president, who called the coach “incapable” and ordered a complete review of the national team program. South Korea won its opening matchagainst Czech Republic, then lost its next two Group A matches toSouth AfricaandMexico. South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advanc…

Son Heung-min apologizes for Korea's World Cup exit Korea captain Son Heung-min covers his face with his jersey after a 1-0 loss to South Africa in a Group A match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, Wednesday (local time). Yonhap Korea national football team captain Son Heung-min apologized on social media early Tuesday following the team's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and vowed to bounce back. "I do not know where to start. I cannot ignore it, nor do I want to hide from reality," the Los Angeles Football Club forward wrote. He sincerely apologized to the public, while noting that his apology could not capture the disappointment and hurt of Korean fans, acknowledging the emotional toll the tournament took on those who cheered on the team. Calling the exit a shattered "childhood dream," he said he was devastated. "Even now, it is not easy to accept this reality," Son said. "I will give everything to bring you joy again. I have not forgotten the promise I made to the fans," he added. "As long as the fans still need me, I will give everything to prepare well again." Son, meanwhile, urged fans to support the players instead of criticizing them. …

Son Heung-min apologized after South Korea's elimination and ... - MARCA World Cup Son Heung-min apologized after South Korea’s elimination and made a promise: “I’ll do everything I can to bring you joy again" The 33-year-old captain shared a few words and asked for support for the players instead of criticism in his most recent Instagram post. Son Heung-min apologized after South Korea’s elimination LAPRESSE NICOLE SOMMA Updated 30/06/2026 - 10:16 CDT Compartir en Facebook Compartir en Twitter Compartir en Telegram Compartir en Whatsapp Compartir por Mail TICKETS MARCA Get the best tickets for sports events and more at Tickets MARCA World Cup. Jude Bellingham dreams of being the next James Bond: “I'd love to” With the group stage over and the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup underway, teams are fighting to advance and win the coveted trophy, but other teams are falling by the wayside. One of them was South Korea . Their captain, Son Heung-min, broke his silence following his team’s early elimination in the group stage and posted an emotional message addressed to the fans, in which he took responsibility for the team’s failure, asked for support, and promised to keep figh…

South Korea's 'dismal' World Cup ends in group phase Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Can't find what you're looking for? Can't find what you're looking for? After three days of anxious waiting to see if they would squeeze into the knockout rounds as one of the eight third-placed finishers, results went against South Korea to send them home. outh Korea's turbulent World Cup ended at the group phase on Saturday and could lead to the international retirement of captain Son Heung-min. After three days of anxious waiting to see if they would squeeze into the knockout rounds as one of the eight third-placed finishers, results went against South Korea to send them home. Hong Myung-bo's side had the last 32 within grasp only to suffer a shock 1-0 loss to lower-ranked South Africa on Wednesday. Through personal reflection and conversations with others, one writer explores gender, belonging, and the long – often arduous – process of becoming oneself. Hong caused a surprise when he dropped the attacking ta…

South Korea drop captain Son Heung-Min for World Cup decider MONTERREY, Mexico --South Koreacoach Hong Myung-Bo has made a shocking selection call by leaving captainSon Heung-Minout of their decisive Group A clash againstSouth Africaat the 2026FIFA World Cupon Wednesday. Son is the biggest of three changes to the starting XI that lost 1-0 toMexicolast Thursday, and will be replaced as the Taegeuk Warriors' spearhead byOh Hyeon-Gyu, who scored the winning goal in their campaign-opening victory overCzechia. TheLAFCstar, who has at times singlehandedly carried South Korea's hopes for the past decade, has had an underwhelming World Cup so far. He was replaced against the Czechs in the 69th minute by Oh, who went on to decide the contest 11 minutes after coming on, and was taken off even earlier against Mexico, in the 57th minute. In both matches, Son had the fewest touches of South Korea's starting outfielders with 37 against Czechia and just 19 against the Mexicans. Son's impact has been limited thus far under a 5-2-3 system that Hong has opted for and has not allowed for his skipper to play to the best of his abilities, with his involvement hugely restricted in a No. 9 role. Th…

Son apologises after South Korea's early World Cup exit, urges fans to ... Son apologises after South Korea’s early World Cup exit, urges fans to support team Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox Son Heung-min failed to score or provide an assist in any of South Korea’s three matches. PHOTO: REUTERS Published Jun 30, 2026, 07:00 AM Updated Jun 30, 2026, 07:24 AM Set as preferred source Listen VANCOUVER - South Korea captain Son Heung-min apologised to fans on June 29 after the team’s group-stage exit from the World Cup and urged them to support the players rather than criticise them following the campaign. The apology came a day after Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea coach. Results on June 27 meant the South Koreans would not advance to the last 32 as one of the eight third-placed finishers in the group phase. Expectations had been high for a talented South Korean squad featuring Son, Paris St Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Drawn alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa, they were widely expected to reach the knockout rounds. South Korea opened with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but defeats b…

Football: Soccer-Son apologises after South Korea's early World Cup ... FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Group B - South Korea v Kuwait - Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea - June 10, 2025 South Korea's Son Heung Min waves to the fans after the match REUTERS/Kim Soo-Hyeon/File Photo VANCOUVER, June 29 (Reuters) - ⁠South Korea captain Son Heung-min apologised to fans on Monday after the team's group-stage exit from ⁠the World Cup and urged them to support the players rather than criticise them following ‌the campaign. The apology came a day after Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea coach. Results on Saturday meant the South Koreans would not advance to the last 32 as one of the eight third-placed finishers in the group phase. Expectations had been high for a ​talented South Korean squad featuring Son, Paris St Germain midfielder Lee ⁠Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. ⁠Drawn alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa, they were widely expected to reach the knockout ⁠rounds. South ‌Korea opened with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but defeats by Mexico and South Africa left them reliant on results elsewhere, ul…

South Korea president calls for 'thorough investigation' into dismal ... DON'T MISS A MOMENT OF THE WORLD CUP Your all-access pass to scores, live updates, and insights Explore AFP Mohamed Saeed Jun 28, 2026 13:19-05:00 Republic of Korea World Cup M. Hong South Africa South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down from his position following the nation's disappointing group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes amid growing political pressure as the country's president, Lee Jae Myung, has officially called for a formal inquiry into the team's failing performances in North America. Hong Myung-bo resigns following group stage exit In the wake of South Korea's official elimination from the 2026 World Cup, head coach Myung-bo has resigned from his post with immediate effect, a s per the Yonhap News Agency . The 57-year-old’s departure follows a disappointing campaign in North America where the Tigers of Asia failed to reach the knockout stages for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament. Hong, who took over the national team in 2024, was originally contracted to lead the side through to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. However, the pressure became unt…

South Korea’s World Cup loss spurs anger over ‘cartel’ of elites, favouritism When South Korea’s national football team returned home on Tuesday after their shock group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup tournament, the fury of fans was not targeted at captain Son Heung-min or other players. It was aimed at head coach Hong Myung-bo, who announced his resignation during a press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico – the tournament’s co-host – on June 28. South Korea lost 1-0 to Mexico and South Africa after opening their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over the Czech...

South Korea coach quits after early World Cup exit South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo quits after early World Cup exit Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo giving a press conference in Guadalajara, Mexico, during the 2026 World Cup football tournament on June 25, 2026. PHOTO: AFP Published Jun 29, 2026, 01:55 AM Updated Jun 29, 2026, 04:16 PM Set as preferred source Listen GUADALAJARA – South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on June 28, a day after his side’s group-stage exit from the World Cup and following condemnation from the country’s president. The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early World Cup departure for the second time to go with the failure in 2014. South Korea were expected to get out of a Group A that included co-hosts Mexico plus South Africa and the Czech Republic. But they lost 1-0 to South Africa and Mexico, and finished on three points, their only success a 2-1 win over the Czechs. It left them hoping to squeeze into the knockout rounds as one of the eight best third-placed finishers. That hope was extinguished on June 27 by results elsewhere, with Hong taking responsibility o…

Son Heung Min Pens Heartbreaking Message To World Cup Fans ... - Koreaboo Even after one of the most painful endings of his career, Son Heung Min ’s first instinct was to apologize. Following South Korea’s disappointing World Cup exit, the national team captain returned to Instagram with a lengthy, emotional message addressed to Korean citizens and soccer fans. The message came amid intense public backlash toward South Korea’s national team coach Hong Myung Bo , who has faced heavy criticism from fans after the team failed to advance. Online, many fans have been directing their anger toward the Korea Football Association and the coaching staff rather than the players. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Son HeungMin(손흥민)🇰🇷 (@hm_son7) Son Heung Min, however, used his statement to take responsibility, apologize to fans, and ask that the players not be hurt further by excessive criticism. In his full statement, Son wrote, “I don’t know where to begin. I can’t pretend not to know, and I don’t want to avoid reality.” First and foremost, I want to sincerely apologize to the people of South Korea and to all the fans who love soccer. As someone who also loves soccer, if I had wat…

Hong Myung-bo's tactical plan ends in disaster··· 'Early substitution ... This article was translated by an AI tool. Feedback Here . South Korea captain Son Heung-min covers his face in disappointment after the loss to South Africa at the North and Central America World Cup on the 25th. Yonhap News Why did coach Hong Myung-bo leave ‘captain’ Son Heung-min (34·LAFC) out of the starting lineup? Hong explained, “I judged that it would be better to bring Son on after 45 minutes, when some space would open up, rather than in the first half when the opponents are strong,” but ultimately this plan failed. Across the two matches Korea lost, Son was left with the disappointing mark of his lowest number of touches at a World Cup. The Korea national team led by Hong Myung-bo suffered a shocking 0-1 defeat to South Africa in the final group-stage match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, held at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on the 25th. As a result, Korea finished the group stage with 1 win and 2 losses (3 points), placing third in the group and failing to clinch a berth in the round of 32. They now must wait for other groups’ final results and finish among the top eight of the 12…

South Korea president calls for investigation into World Cup exit Heung-Min Son #7 of South Korea during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against South Africa Wednesday in Guadalupe, Mexico. Luke Hales / FIFA via Getty Images Share Add NBC News to Google June 29, 2026, 3:36 AM EDT / Source : Reuters By Reuters South Korea president Lee Jae Myung is calling for an investigation into the country’s poor World Cup showing and ensuing resignation of coach Hong Myung-bo. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. South Korea did not advance out of Group A while earning three points in three matches. South Korea beat the Czech Republic and lost to Mexico and South Africa. Add NBC News to Google FIFA World Cup 2026: Knockout Round Gets Underway 01:45 Lee said he was “utterly baffled” by the showing and questioned why Hong was selected as coach. Hong, a former star defender for the country, said Sunday that he was stepping down. His decision came one day after South Korea failed to land one of the eight spots for teams that finished third in group play. “It was not an easy decision for me to take this role, but once I took i…

World Cup failure puts Hong Myung-bo's controversial appointment back ... I ask the hard questions, so you don't have to 🗞️📝 South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo is facing mounting criticism after the national team’s disappointing World Cup campaign, with questions over his tactics and squad selection shedding light on the controversial process that brought him back to the job. The Taegeuk Warriors finished third in Group A on Wednesday with one win and two losses, scoring two goals and conceding three. The result has left them dependent on other groups’ results to determine whether they will advance to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s eight best third-place teams. The team provisionally sits at 6th out of 12 third-place teams, with several teams yet to complete their group stage campaign. Criticism of Hong intensified after the team’s final group-stage match against South Africa, raising questions about his game management, reliance on key players and late substitutions in decisive moments. Those include benching captain Son Heung-min at the start of the match against South Africa, replacing center-back Kim Min-jae with another defender while Korea was still chasing a go…

With loss to S. Africa, Hong Myung-bo now Korea's most defeated World ... Coaching the national team for a second World Cup, Hong faces echoes of Brazil 2014 group-stage exit Head coach Hong Myung-bo took responsibility for South Korea's 1-0 loss to South Africa in the group-stage finale that left the team's World Cup hopes hanging in the balance on Wednesday. "On a stage as big as this, the head coach is responsible for all the results," Hong said at his post-match press conference. "Ultimately, I made the wrong decisions that led to this outcome." Following the loss at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, northeastern Mexico, South Korea finished third in Group A with three points from one win and two losses. The team must now wait until the remaining groups complete their matches and the final third-place standings are determined on Sunday. While the top two teams from each group advance automatically to the knockout stage, the eight best third-placed teams among the 12 groups will also earn berths in the Round of 32. Wednesday's defeat left Hong with an overall World Cup coaching record of one win, one draw and four losses across his two tournaments in charge of South Korea. H…

South Korea's World Cup wreckage: From Son's 'absolute heartache' to ... FIFA World Cup 2026 Son Heung-min hangs his head following South Korea's pivotal defeat by South Africa(Luke Hales/FIFA via Getty Images) It was not the usual question asked of a manager after defeat. “The players just looked heavy. Were they collectively food-poisoned prior to the game? Or was there anything that happened that was out of your control? Otherwise, this was not an unacceptable performance by any standard.” South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo, already looking shellshocked after his team’s 1-0 defeat by South Africa, responded to the Korean Broadcasting System reporter by saying: “The performance itself was not good. But we didn’t experience what you explain. I don’t want to blame such a reason because it didn’t happen. Out of three matches in the World Cup, we played the worst game today. That is true.” Advertisement That shock result in Monterrey, Mexico — infront of a crowd full of South Korean fansand with their captain and best-ever playerSon Heung-min benched— pushed Hong’s team into third in Group A and led to a wait to find out if they would be in the round of 32. On Wednesday ni…

South Korea president calls for government investigation into World Cup ... South Korea exited the World Cup at the group stage.Yuri Cortez / AFP via Getty Images South Korea president Lee Jae Myung has called for the country’s sports ministry to investigate the national team’s World Cup group-stage exit, with head coach Hong Myung-bo saying he will resign. President Lee said he was “utterly baffled” by the results and appeared to criticise the South Korean Football Association’s (KFA) appointment of head coach Hong, as he alleged that “competence” had not been prioritised when selecting a leader. Advertisement On Sunday, Hong said he was “stepping down” as coach and added: “It was not an easy decision for me to take this role, but once I took it, I thought about nothing else except being responsible until the very last moment.” A former defender who played 136 games for South Korea as a player, Hong had been in the role since 2024 and said he took “all the responsibility” for the unsuccessful World Cup campaign. South Korea’s World Cup exit was confirmed on Saturday as they failed to progress to the knockout stages as one of the eight best third-place teams. Hong’s side too…

Son apologizes after South Korea's early World Cup exit, urges fans to ... South Korea captain Son ​Heung-min apologized to fans on Monday after the team's group-stage exit from the World Cup and urged them to support the players ‌rather than criticize them following the campaign. The apology came a day after Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea coach. Results on Saturday meant the South Koreans would not advance to the ‌last 32 as one of the eight third-placed finishers in the group phase. Expectations had been high for a talented South Korean squad featuring Son, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Drawn ⁠alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa, they were widely expected to reach the knockout rounds. South Korea opened with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but defeats by Mexico and ⁠South Africa left them reliant on results elsewhere, ultimately falling short of a place in the knockout stage. "I don't know where to begin," Son said in a lengthy ​Instagram post. "I can't pretend I don't know what happened, nor do I want to ‌escape reality. "First and foremost, I would like to offer my sincere apologies …

South Korea coach takes blame for loss to Bafana: 'I made ... - News24 25 Jun South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo took the blame for his team’s limp1-0 defeat by South Africaon Thursday morning (SA time) that left their FIFA World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. Hong left superstar Son Heung-min out of his starting line-up for his side’s final group match in Monterrey. After a bright start for South Korea, Bafana Bafana were the better team, showing greater invention and a sharper cutting edge. Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike proved the difference between the two teams. Bafana player ratings |Rave reviews as Hugo Broos’ history-makers redeem themselves The defeat in Mexico is a shocking reversal of form for South Korea, who started their World Cup in style, coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. A 1-0 defeat by co-hosts Mexico put them under pressure but they were still favourites to progress to the last 32 when they took to the pitch against South Africa. “We always talk about just the results,” said Hong. “In terms of the process of preparation and how we can put that onto the playing field, that is something that I had thought about. “Of course, if we had kn…

Son Heung-min 'indescribably hurt' by South Korea's World Cup exit ... South Korea captain Son Heung-min has apologized for the team’s group-stage exit at the World Cup, saying he is “indescribably hurt” and eager to “win the hearts” of the nation once again. In a long post on Instagram on Monday night, Son — a soccer superstar in South Korea and a big name in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC — said he understood the disappointment of the team’s fans after its performances in the tournament that have drawn harsh criticism from the country’s president and led to the resignation of coach Hong Myung-bo. “I don’t dare to convey the disappointment and hurt of the fans with a single word ‘sorry,’” Son wrote, “so even saying those words feels insufficient. “The ‘child’s dream stage’ that I always talked about has collapsed,” he added. “I’m indescribably stuck and hurt. To be honest, it’s still not easy to accept this reality.” South Korea won its opening match against Czech Republic, then lost its next two Group A matches — to Mexico and South Africa. The team failed to advance as one of the third-place group finishers. Son, who started on the bench for the group closer against So…